Argentina's qualification to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup left a common message among the team's protagonists: the conviction that the team never stopped believing, even when elimination seemed inevitable. After the 3-2 victory over Egypt, achieved with a comeback in the final minutes, Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez agreed to highlight the competitive spirit of the Albiceleste as the main reason behind the result.

The South American team was two goals behind on the scoreboard until the 79th minute. However, goals from Cristian “Cuti” Romero, Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernández completely changed the fate of the match and kept the current world champion alive.

The Chelsea midfielder was in charge of scoring the decisive goal in added time, a score that sparked celebration among the players and the thousands of Argentine fans present in Atlanta.

"We have a phenomenal group, a group that never gives up beyond difficulties, beyond adversity. We are always together," said Fernández after the meeting.

The comeback reinforced the confidence of the Argentine team

The midfielder recognized the personal value of his score, pointing out that he had been waiting for several years to score again with the national team.

"I was longing for the goal about three years ago, after the World Cup in Qatar. I thank God to be able to live these moments, I am privileged," he expressed, while dedicating words of gratitude to the fans who cheered until the final whistle.

Asked if the victory could represent a definitive boost on the path to defending the title obtained in Qatar 2022, Fernández avoided making projections. “It's one more step,” he responded, also remembering that “four years have passed” since that consecration and that “in the end football forgets what happened before.”

The midfielder also explained how he found the space to define the play that ended up giving the classification. “In the last meters you have to take advantage of those plays where there are spaces, where there are gaps,” he commented.

For his part, Lautaro Martínez assured that the match against Egypt once again demonstrated the mental strength of the group. The forward, who came on from the bench and assisted Fernández in the winning goal, considered that the insistence ended up tilting the game.

"This team demonstrates once again that despite the difficulties and the bad stretches in the game, it continues to search for the opponent's goal. In short, this is what we play: to take Argentina to the top and today there was another demonstration of character from this group that does not give up and always wants more," he said.

Martínez admitted that at times he felt that qualification was slipping away, especially due to the physical wear and tear caused by Egypt. "In this type of match, winning 0-2 is very difficult, but the character and the desire to continue searching for the opponent's goal makes you create opportunities. And by trying and trying so much, the goal opens and that is where we become strong," he explained.

The Inter attacker also dedicated special recognition to Lionel Messi after the match. "Seeing Leo the way he runs and improves himself day by day. I told him just on the field: to cry because he deserved it because he is our guide, who helps us all the time," he said.

Finally, Lautaro maintained that the match will remain among the most important memories of the group and dedicated the classification to the Argentine fans. “This is dedicated to all Argentines, so that they can enjoy because we are achieving something very difficult.”

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